A last view of Eskdale Terrace as Newcastle High prepares for new chapter

Younger and older generations of alumnae and staff gathered at Newcastle High to say a fond farewell to Newcastle High’s Senior School buildings before a move to fabulous new facilities in Jesmond in September.

The event, ‘A last view of Eskdale Terrace’, was held on Saturday 25th June to allow alumnae to wander the corridors and classrooms of the school as well as enjoy a delicious afternoon tea with friends. Great memories were shared and while there was sadness at saying goodbye to these loved and long familiar spaces, there was also much interest in the new Senior School on Tankerville Terrace.

Alumnae of all ages, from those who left in 1947 to those who completed their A levels last year all commented on how it all seemed like yesterday that they were at school.

Nadine Strettle-Brown joined friends at the event for one last look around the school: Nadine attended Central High between 1985 and 2000 and then returned in 2005, no longer a pupil but as a teacher at the Junior School. She comments on what this event meant to her:

“As the day draws near when our beloved site at Eskdale Terrace closes its doors forever, it was a lovely opportunity to walk around the school just one last time. It was fantastic to see so many familiar faces and be able to reminisce together – the old school library perhaps being the focus of this attention as so little in that particular room has changed."

“However, as one door closes, it is so exciting to think of the new door that will soon open. All present at the event agreed that the plans for the new Senior School are amazing and that future generations of girls are going to be so well provided for. So, a mix of feelings – sadness that the school building we know and love will be no more, but such anticipation for all that the new site will bring.”

Alumnae are invited to view the new Senior School at Tankerville Terrace in Jesmond at the following: